Lillard counts Parker among his models

Much like LaMarcus Aldridge has used Tim Duncan as a model, Portland teammate Damian Lillard tailored parts of his game after Tony Parker while developing from an overlooked recruit to future lottery pick and NBA All-Star at Weber State.

Already a better outside shooter than Parker, Lillard said Monday he’s tried to emulate the six-time All-Star’s guile around the rim.

“With him not being the most athletic guy…he’s still crafty enough to finish in the paint over these huge, big guys in the paint,” said Lillard, who first began studying Parker in his final year of high school. “That’s floaters and reverse layups and different finishes.”

Despite his study, Lillard has a long way to go to match Parker’s effectiveness in the paint. He shot just 47 percent at the rim in his second season, nine points below Parker and a far cry from the Frenchman’s prime seasons, when he routinely finished in the mid 60s.

Parker is aware of Lillard’s scrutiny and can relate. The objects of his admiration when he joined the NBA in 2001 were the likes of Gary Payton and Jason Kidd. And in addition to learning from them, Parker also wanted to outplay them, a mentality he’s fully expecting from Lillard when their second-round series begins tonight.

“I know Damian watched a lot of tapes of me, that’s what I heard on pieces about him,” Parker said. “So I know he’s going to be very motivated to play me like I was when I played against Gary Payton. Gary Payton was one of my favorite players growing up, and so I was very motivated when I played against him in my first playoffs.

“I know that feeling and I’m going to have to match that energy. I love the big games and the big challenges, and I’m sure he’s the same way.”